While Kumuor left me to recover in his main tent, I pieced together the situation of the Jurchen army based on information extracted from the serving maids and my prior knowledge.

The Jurchen were divided into three main branches: the Jianzhou Jurchen, Haixi Jurchen, and Beishan Jurchen. The Beishan Jurchen, residing far, north of the Heitaha Guards, distant from Central Plains, showed little interest in reviving past glory or ruling the Central Plains, and thus did not directly participate in this rebellion. Only the Jianzhou and Haixi Jurchen were involved.

Though Kumuor was the Khan of the Jurchen, he hadn’t held the position long. His father, Nahachi, was revered like a deity among the Jurchen people as the Heaven-mandated Great Khan, celebrated for his military achievements and deeply beloved by his people.

Unfortunately, this wise and mighty Khan wasn’t skilled at raising sons. His six sons, including Kumuor, fought bitterly over the position of Khan.

Unexpectedly, Kumuor, the youngest, emerged victorious over his brothers. He first allied with his eldest brother Bage to orchestrate the deaths of his second brother Qinghu and third brother Qilishe. Then he instigated conflict between Bage and his fifth brother Hasha, resulting in Bage’s death and Hasha’s exile to the Ice Sea. Only the fourth brother Dasuli, born to a servant, remained, but being of lower birth than Kumuor, who was born to a side consort, he couldn’t contend for the position.

It was said this fratricidal bloodbath greatly angered Nahachi, who passed away shortly after, leaving Kumuor to rightfully inherit the position of Khan.

For some time after Kumuor’s ascension, he lacked support from the Jurchen tribal leaders. The elders attempted to convene a Wolf Council to select a new Great Khan, but after Kumuor mercilessly eliminated two chiefs and displayed their heads outside his palace, no one dared mention it again.

The more I learned about Kumuor’s background, the more discouraged I became. From every angle, this young Khan appeared to be a formidable adversary.

However, Kumuor had been relatively courteous to me these past few days. Though he kept me in his main tent, he hadn’t forced me to share his bed.

I welcomed the peace. The Changbai Mountains were rich in precious medicinal herbs, and the Jurchen’s homemade medicine was effective. Within days, my shoulder wound had healed about seventy to eighty percent.

Yet even while confined indoors recovering, I could feel the weather growing colder day by day. The cold wind seeped through the gaps in the wolf-skin tent with a bone-chilling chill. Snow would likely fall in a few days.

In the Jurchen camp, I also came to understand the circumstances that led to my abduction to Shanhai Pass.

Xing Yiying’s father, Minister of Personnel Xing Yu, had long been at odds with my father. Presumably feeling that he could never reach the highest position while my father lived, yet unable to bring him down, he chose to maintain a false friendship with my father while secretly coordinating with Kumuor to plan the rebellion.

The day I was kidnapped coincided with Kumuor and Xing Yu’s planned uprising. Xing Yu arranged for someone to assassinate Xiao Huan in the capital, while Kumuor coordinated with Xing Yu’s spies at Shanhai Pass to breach the gates.

If this plan had succeeded, the Jurchen army could have reached the capital within a day. With the capital in chaos following the Emperor’s death, the Great Wu’s hundred-year legacy would likely have crumbled in an instant.

Though the plan seemed sound, unfortunately for them, the spy at Shanhai Pass was discovered by Qi Chengliang before the uprising. Xing Yu and Xing Yiying’s failure in the capital was inevitable – if Xiao Huan could be defeated by their efforts alone, I would have truly misjudged him.

However, my capture and transport to the Jurchen camp beyond the pass was entirely due to Xing Yiying. Her consuming jealousy led her to prioritize tormenting me over killing Xiao Huan.

Reflecting on this, I had to marvel at how a woman’s jealousy truly was the most terrifying thing in this world.

Despite self-inflicting my wounds, I couldn’t bring myself to cause serious harm. The wound on my shoulder looked frightening but was merely superficial. That afternoon, after applying medicine, I noticed it had healed considerably and decided not to rebandage it, simply wrapping myself in clothes before lying down.

Just as I was preparing to rest, Kumuor burst in impetuously.

Noting his expression wasn’t as pleasant as usual, I rose and smiled, “Khan, what brings you back at this hour?”

Kumuor threw his sword to the ground and suddenly let out a cold laugh. “Your husband has arrived.”

“What?” I didn’t immediately understand.

“Your husband has arrived. The army he leads is now at Shanhai Pass.” Kumuor rushed forward, tightly gripping my shoulders in front of the serving maids. “He’s finally come! I’ve waited so many years for this day, and he’s finally here! He’s descended from that golden throne of his! Should I not be happy?”

Kumuor’s voice grew increasingly thunderous, making my scalp tingle.

I maintained my composure and smiled, saying, “Khan, there are others present.”

Kumuor’s somewhat frenzied gaze gradually returned to normal, though his hands remained iron-tight on my shoulders. When he spoke again, his voice had returned to its usual deep coldness: “Leave us.”

The maids withdrew with small steps, and Kumuor pushed me to sit on the bed, then sat on its edge himself.

“I’ve met your husband before,” Kumuor suddenly said, his thin sword-like lips curling slightly, adding a hint of mockery to his handsome face.

“It was when I was fourteen, accompanying my elder brother to the capital to present our annual tribute to the Emperor. You know about the annual tribute, right? It’s when we Jurchen have to give all our best furs, ginseng, live animals, and minerals from that year to you Han people.” When Kumuor mentioned his elder brother Bage, whom he had killed, his tone surprisingly carried a hint of nostalgia.

“My brother and I set out from our tribe, escorting over thirty cartloads of tribute along the newly snow-covered road to the capital. The snow was knee-deep, making travel difficult. Halfway there, bandits tried to rob our tribute, but thanks to my brother’s valor, we didn’t lose any of the thirty-plus carts. If we had, if we couldn’t deliver the full tribute, we would likely have been flogged by you Han people.

“We finally reached the capital with great difficulty. My brother, worried about the fresh meat in the carts spoiling, wanted to deliver the goods quickly. But the Han officials receiving the tribute said they were busy preparing for the New Year celebrations and the Emperor’s birthday, telling us to wait a few days.” Here, Kumuor paused and asked, “Your husband’s birthday is on New Year’s Day?”

I nodded. Indeed, Xiao Huan was born on New Year’s Day. Come to think of it, we hadn’t even been married for a year, and I had never had the chance to celebrate his birthday.

Kumuor suddenly laughed coldly: “Any day would be the same. Now that he’s here, I won’t let him live to see next year’s birthday!” He paused briefly before continuing, “We waited outside the palace day after day, but the Han official never let us enter. Finally, an elder who had delivered tribute before told us that to get in, we would need to pay the Han officials. You Han people call this facilitation fee, saying it’s necessary for any request.

“We had to save from our travel allowance to pay those Han officials. Sure enough, the next day, the Emperor granted us an audience. We waited outside the imperial palace from dawn that day. Your Han imperial palace has many gates, all very large, yet you insist people can’t use the main entrance. My brother and I waited until our legs were sore before someone came to lead us in. The person who led us first berated us, saying things like don’t wipe your nose, don’t drop anything, don’t look up while walking, before finally taking us in.

“Your imperial palace is truly vast. We passed through several gates and courtyards before being led into a room. That room was also very tall, not only was the ceiling golden, but even the pillars inside were golden, and even the bricks laid on the ground had a golden color.

“I was stunned by such a beautiful room, looking down at the gleaming golden bricks beneath my feet. I still remember my reflection in those bricks, just like standing on the ice of the Songhua River, where ice would also reflect my image.

“The person who brought us started shouting again, and I suddenly remembered we had to kneel before the Emperor. I was shocked – we Jurchen warriors value our knees above all, only slaves kneel before masters, and no one else would easily kneel. I looked at my elder brother. Among all our brothers, he was the proudest, but after a moment’s hesitation, he pulled me down to kneel. When I knelt, I saw the veins on my brother’s forehead bulging. He had no choice – after all, we Jurchen were slaves to you Han people. Your annual demands for these treasures bought with our blood and sweat were just to remind us Jurchen that you Han people were the true masters of this land.”

He paused again before continuing: “When we rose, I secretly glanced at the Emperor. He sat on a wide yellow chair, a thin youth even more delicate than a girl, with a somewhat pale complexion. He sat very properly, but I felt he might faint at any moment. In that instant, I felt utterly useless for having knelt to such a person.

“As I was thinking this, the young Han official standing beside the Emperor spoke: ‘His Majesty sympathizes with your arduous journey and permits you to stay in the capital for two days before departing.’ Only then did I learn that those delivering tribute were supposed to leave immediately after presenting their gifts, to prevent us foreigners from causing trouble in the capital.” Here, Kumuor paused again, looking at me, “The person who spoke to us was your father, right? Prime Minister Ling Xuefeng? I know he holds the real power in your country, doesn’t he?”

I nodded, hesitating before saying, “That’s how it was, but now the Emperor rules directly.”

Kumuor let out a cold laugh: “I don’t care who holds power, nor do I want to understand your Han people’s inexplicable affairs. I only believe in my iron cavalry. Whoever has the greatest strength, whoever can defeat others, they are the hero, and the land should be theirs. Why should such fertile land belong to you Han people? Why should those Han officials who only know how to demand money wield authority? Why should an Emperor who maintains those dog officials still sit on the dragon throne? Why can’t his empire be mine? Why can’t his possessions be mine?” His voice rose again as he threw me onto the bed, roughly tearing open my collar.

His hot breath pressed against my neck, his beard stubble causing an itching pain. His calloused hand slipped inside my collar, rough palm caressing my back.

I never considered myself a woman who placed great importance on chastity, but when Kumuor’s hands began to wander lower, in that moment, I thought of Xiao Huan’s hands – those long, pale hands with their delicate joints that seemed meant only for holding fine brushes and writing elegant characters on jade-white paper, not hands meant for weapons.

He had arrived, his army just miles away at Shanhai Pass, but he hadn’t come to rescue me – he had come to avenge his honor.

In the eyes of the court officials, I should already be dead. After being in enemy hands for so many days, the Empress of Great Wu, if she couldn’t preserve her virtue intact, would be better off dead.

With all my strength, I slapped Kumuor across the face. “I am not his possession!”

I believe this was the loudest I had ever shouted in my life, my voice hoarse with rage: “I am not a possession!”

“Why should I let you despicable men fight over me? To hell with your empire, to hell with your realm! In your eyes, am I just a possession? Something to wear and show off, something to boast about? That Xiao bastard wanted to marry me because I’m the Prime Minister’s daughter! You want to take me because I’m his woman! You think this is fun, don’t you?”

“Yes, I’m a woman, but have any of you ever asked what I want? Has any of you bastards asked if I’m happy? Asked what I wanted to do. Each of you claims to love me, but have you ever asked if I want to live like this? What do I want to do?” I grabbed Kumuor’s collar as I shouted, feeling I had probably gone mad. I violently threw him to the ground. “I’ll tell you now – I don’t like you touching me. Get out!”

Kumuor stood up and wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth. He put his bloodied finger to his lips and let out a chuckle: “Very good, such a fierce spirit… I’ve had many women, some even fiercer than you. Do you know what happened to them?”

He leaned in close, his eagle-like eyes staring directly into mine: “I stripped them naked and tied them to wooden posts in front of the camp, available to any soldier who wanted them.”

As he spoke, he gently stroked my chin and smiled: “A fair and beautiful woman like you – the soldiers would love that. You probably wouldn’t last a day.”

The mocking smile on his thin lips grew deeper as he stared at me, his dove-grey eyes clearly showing the expression of a cat playing with a mouse.

His sword lay not far from the bed, and the copper-bound table by the bedpost had sharp corners.

In this situation, should I choose to end my life?

But dying in a Jurchen camp would hardly be pleasant. No one would shed tears for me, and it wouldn’t be particularly heroic. My corpse might even be stripped and displayed outside the camp.

Kumuor remained silent, just waiting with slightly upturned lips, and then he released me and turned to leave.

I knew once he left the tent, he would send men to drag me out and tie me to the post.

I quickly rushed forward and embraced him from behind: “Khan, I’ve reconsidered. I’m willing to serve you. Whenever you desire, my body is yours.”

“Such a clever woman.” Kumuor stopped, laughing coldly. “Too bad I’m no longer interested in you.”

So was death my only option?

As my body began to stiffen, Kumuor suddenly turned and embraced me, chuckling softly: “I never tire of clever women. Stay here in this tent and watch as I take everything from your husband – including you.” He smiled. “I’m not saying you’re a possession. I just want you. At first, I wanted your body, now I want both your body and your heart.”

With that, he placed another light kiss on my lips and left the tent.

The cold wind outside howled against the leather walls. I felt dazed – what had Kumuor said? Did he want my heart?

My mind was in chaos, unable to sort out my feelings. I just wanted to find the bed and lie down to gather my thoughts when suddenly two light coughs came from the corner of the tent.

I called out in a low voice: “Who’s there?”

There was no response. I picked up Kumuor’s sword from the ground and gripped it, walking slowly toward the sound. “Who is it? Come out.”

“It’s just me, my lady, please don’t kill me.” A man in a Jurchen military dress rolled out from behind the animal skins in the corner. He had a rat-like face with unkempt whiskers, and his uniform was somewhat tattered.

“Who are you? How did you get here?” Seeing his state, I lowered the sword and asked.

“My lady, I came with Princess Min. I’m Han Chinese, from Hebei. I was trading ginseng in the Changbai Mountains when I encountered the fighting and was captured. I just arrived at the camp today and don’t know my way around. I was just walking about and somehow ended up here. When you and that gentleman were arguing so intensely earlier, I didn’t dare make a sound, so I hid. Please spare me, my lady, please spare my life.” Before I could say anything, he covered his face with his filthy sleeve, nearly crying.

“Alright, alright, I won’t kill you.” I waved my hand. If only for the fact that we were both Han Chinese, I would help cover for him.

“Thank you for your great mercy, my lady…” The man quickly expressed his gratitude.

I waved my hand again: “Enough.” Then I thought to ask, “You said you’re with Princess Min? Princess Min is here?”

“Yes, we just arrived today. I came with Princess Min,” the man quickly replied, his voice carrying a thick Hebei accent and somewhat hoarse, making it hard to determine his age.

The Princess Min he spoke of was Kumuor’s full sister Minjia, Nahachi’s only daughter who had been treasured like a pearl since childhood and deeply loved by her father. Princess Min was not only renowned for her beauty among the Jurchen but was also skilled in martial arts, more valiant than many men, and considered a fierce general in the Jurchen army.

Minjia had been guarding the tribes in the rear and hadn’t come to the front lines at Shanhai Pass. Perhaps Kumuor had summoned her because he couldn’t breach the pass.

I nodded thoughtfully, then casually asked the man: “What’s your name?”

“I’m called Zhao Fugui, but they all call me Old Zhao,” he quickly replied.

“Alright, Old Zhao, you may go. I won’t tell the Khan you were here. Next time, watch where you’re going, and don’t wander in like this.” I smiled at him.

Faced with my smile, Zhao Fugui hesitated for a moment, then immediately left with profuse thanks.

It seems today was quite an unusual day – not only had Xiao Huan arrived, but the Jurchen side had gained another great general.

Alone in the main tent, I sat on the edge of the bed and closed my eyes. Those pale, thin hands that had been floating before my eyes since earlier were gone, but in contrast, the burning sensation Kumuor had left on my lips grew increasingly distinct.

According to rumors from within Shanhai Pass, Xiao Huan had fallen ill on his second day at the front, the journey’s fatigue triggering his old ailment, and he quickly became bedridden.

However, the Hanlin Academy scholars who had accompanied the army soon proclaimed this campaign.

The proclamation was righteous and eloquent, every word sharp as gold and jade, but made no mention of the Empress’s capture. It seemed they had decided to erase this incident that tarnished imperial dignity.

But I didn’t care about these things. I had made up my mind that this was no place to linger. Rather than expending effort to please Kumuor, I might as well find a way to escape this cursed place. Afterward, I could be as free as a bird in the sky.

Though Kumuor hadn’t forced himself on me, he spent increasingly more time in the tent. Yesterday, after Princess Min’s arrival, she specifically came to her brother’s main tent to see his new woman.

“Her brother’s new woman” – this title disgusted me even more than the green-headed tablets in the Palace of Heart’s Ease.

Even by Han standards, Minjia was a rare beauty. She arrived wearing a fire-red riding outfit, dismounting with her pomegranate-red dress flowing over her long deerskin boots, her movements gallant and spirited, her whole being like a moving flower.

After dismounting, she circled me twice while playing with her riding crop, then nodded: “This one’s not bad. Brother’s taste in women has improved.”

Secretly annoyed, I smiled sweetly and said: “Thank you for the compliment, Princess.”

“No need for thanks.” Minjia was very straightforward in character. She blinked her bright large eyes and asked frankly, “What do you think of my brother? Do you like him?”

“Whether I like him or not, what difference does it make?” I asked with a smile.

“It makes a huge difference. My brother has so many women, yet still doesn’t have even a side consort.” She winked at me again. “How about it? If you want to be a consort, I’ll help you.”

Give up being Empress to become a mere consort here? I deflected: “Well, that’s not for me to decide.”

“The other women were all eager to be my brother’s consorts!” Minjia seemed somewhat surprised by my indifference. She turned and called out, “Old Zhao, is my horse ready?”

Zhao Fugui, the soldier who had mistakenly entered Kumuor’s tent yesterday, came running in from outside, bowing and scraping as he said: “Princess, it’s been ready for a while, tied up right outside.”

“Tied up? Where exactly?” Minjia asked with interest.

“To the big post in front of the tent – isn’t that for tying horses?” Zhao Fugui answered honestly, his thick accent and simple, confused expression quite amusing.

Minjia burst out laughing: “That’s my brother’s command banner! And you used it to tie up a horse.”

Like a gust of wind, having lost interest in me, she waved her hand, “I need to go patrol around, I’m leaving.”

“Princess Min…” I quickly called after her, “Where are you going?”

“I’m going to patrol around the camp. Why?” Minjia asked.

“Let me come with you. I’m about to die of boredom staying in this tent all day,” I said quickly.

Kumuor certainly wouldn’t let me move about freely, but this Minjia was simple-minded. If I could go with her to look around, I could familiarize myself with the camp, which would make escaping easier.

“You can ride?” Minjia looked at me skeptically.

“I took first place in the annual archery and riding competition every year. You think I’m some delicate noble lady?” Offended at her doubt of my riding skills, I retorted sharply.

“Alright, I was wrong.” Minjia’s straightforward nature made her appreciate my response. She smiled and ordered Zhao Fugui, “Go fetch a horse for the lady.”

Though Zhao Fugui was somewhat slow-witted, he moved quickly, immediately accepting the order and leaving.

Watching his cowering figure retreat, I couldn’t help asking Minjia: “Isn’t he a newly captured Han Chinese? Why do you keep him by your side?”

“Yes, I just captured him on the road two days ago,” Minjia giggled. “He’s a bit dim-witted, but he has some skills – quick with his hands and knows veterinary medicine. One of our horses fell ill on the road, and he cured it. I found him amusing, so I kept him around.”

After chatting for a while, assuming Zhao Fugui must have brought the horse outside by now, I put on a narrow-sleeved silver fox fur coat and left the tent with Minjia.

Kumuor had a separate tent for conducting affairs of state, where he was currently discussing strategy with the Eight Banner leaders.

Since the arrival of the Great Wu’s personally-led army, Kumuor had been planning for a quick decisive battle. After all, the weather was getting colder, and even the Jurchen people, accustomed to the northeastern forests, were finding the cold difficult to endure. In contrast, the Great Wu forces had solid fortress walls for protection against the cold, putting them in a much better position than the Jurchen.

Leaving the tent, I pulled my collar tighter, wrapping the silver fox fur coat around me. The sky was somewhat gloomy, filled with leaden clouds, and the wind carried a bone-chilling cold – it was about to snow.

Xiao Huan carried a cold poison in his body; if the weather turned cold, it would truly aggravate his condition. I had always felt his immediate illness upon arrival seemed somewhat like deliberate weakness, but with the weather truly this cold, and his health already poor in the palace, could he be seriously ill now?

Gripping the reins of the horse beside me, I smiled self-mockingly. Since I had already decided to flee the capital and never return, all talk of bearing Xiao Huan’s children and becoming Empress Dowager had become empty dreams – why think about these things?

“My lady?” Zhao Fugui called out hesitantly beside me. I looked up to see Minjia already mounted and waiting for me.

I smiled and mounted my horse, and Zhao Fugui also mounted to follow.

Minjia led a small squad of personal guards, without flying any banners, and rode out of the camp to begin patrolling along the valley where the Jurchen were stationed.

I rode close behind her. The northeastern warhorses were broad-shouldered and long-legged, running steadily and swiftly, gliding like small boats through the knee-high pasture grass.

Shanhai Pass was located by the sea, with Jiao Mountain six li north of the city. The Great Wall started from the Laolongtou (Old Dragon’s Head) at Shanhai Pass, crossed Jiao Mountain, and extended to the Yin Mountains. Jiao Mountain was known as the First Mountain of the Great Wall.

Shanhai Pass was built between Jiao Mountain and the sea, spanning several li. The pass contained vast stores of provisions, with barracks and buildings stretching endlessly, easily accommodating hundreds of thousands of troops. The watchtowers within the pass and the beacon towers on Jiao Mountain formed a pattern like ox horns, supporting each other, making it easy to defend but difficult to attack. The title “First Pass Under Heaven” was well-deserved.

The Jurchen camp lay in the valley beside Jiao Mountain. Usually, the city walls weren’t visible from camp. As Minjia led her small squad of guards, gradually patrolling to the edge of the valley, we could see Shanhai Pass’s walls looming in the misty distance, radiating an inviolable majesty.

“It’s just a pass, yet brother has wasted so much time here.” Minjia suddenly snorted, spurring her horse directly toward the Zhenyuan Gate to the north.

Her action could easily be seen as a provocation by the defending soldiers.

I quickly called after her: “Minjia, don’t go!”

Minjia ignored me and continued charging forward. I had no choice but to follow.

We covered the distance of several li in an instant, the towering walls of Shanhai Pass now right before us. I shouted to Minjia, who was leading the charge: “Come back! Are you trying to get yourself killed?”

Before I could finish speaking, an arrow whistled through the air and struck the ground nearby, its momentum carrying it deep into the earth, leaving only the fletching visible. More steel arrows followed with howling sounds. I quickly drew the military saber from my horse’s equipment to deflect the arrows.

Deflecting flying arrows wasn’t particularly difficult, but I had always been lazy about practicing arm strength during sword training, and my left shoulder wound hadn’t fully healed. After deflecting just a few arrows, the wound began to ache from the impact. To prevent it from reopening, I quickly pressed my hand against it.

As the arrows grew denser, even Minjia at the front began drawing her sword to deflect the rain of arrows, no longer advancing.

In an instant, Minjia’s warhorse suddenly trembled and bent its knees, apparently hit in the leg by an arrow. I had been watching her situation, and in that moment of panic, failed to deflect one arrow.

With a flash of blade light, the arrow flying toward me was split in two. Zhao Fugui rode his horse in front of mine, wielding his military saber: “My lady, please retreat!”

Though his sword technique was chaotic and without proper form, he somehow managed to deflect the dense rain of arrows in his frantic movements. I suddenly remembered how last night he had hidden in the main tent without Kumuor detecting him, despite Kumuor’s keen hearing. Could he have used internal energy to suppress his breathing, preventing Kumuor from noticing?

If so, this Zhao Fugui might be a hidden master.

I nodded to him: “Hold them off for a moment.” Then I leaned over to take the bow and arrows from his horse, nocked an arrow, and aimed at the black banner flying atop the city wall. Gathering my energy, I released.

The arrow pierced through the rain of arrows, flying straight toward the flagpole. The flag fell at its touch. The bowstring sang again as my second arrow followed, striking the red tassel on the colonel’s helmet atop the tower.

These two shots established dominance, and the soldiers on the wall grew fearful. As the arrow rain thinned, I called to Minjia: “Retreat first!”

Minjia turned her horse, deflecting arrows as she withdrew.

My group and the personal guards quickly retreated as well. Only when we had withdrawn about a li did the soldiers on the wall stop shooting.

Minjia pulled her reins, turned back, and shouted: “Listen, you Han people! Give your Emperor my regards and tell him to wash his neck and wait for me!”

She shouted while waving her sword, her cheeks flushed with excitement.

Standing beside her, I could only sigh helplessly: “You might be enjoying yourself, but I was nearly scared to death.”

Minjia suddenly turned and embraced my neck across our horses: “I didn’t expect you to be so skilled! I like you. By the way, what’s your name?”

I smiled – she liked me already? I was popular with girls. If I could be this popular with men, would Xiao Huan have treasured me in the palm of his hand?

I smiled at Minjia: “I’m called Ling Cangcang. It comes from Li Bai’s poem ‘Returning cliffs layer upon layer, piercing the deep blue.'”

“What returning cliffs and layers? I don’t understand. You Han people are so troublesome.” Minjia pursed her lips. “Just call me Minjia. From today on, you’re my friend. We Jurchen value loyalty above all – from now on, we’ll live and die together as lifelong friends.” She extended her hand for a high-five.

I raised my hand and struck her palm firmly: “Good, from today we’re friends, living and dying together.” As I spoke, I began calculating – if I got along well with Minjia, perhaps she could help me when I tried to escape.

But when I turned and saw the genuine joy on Minjia’s face at gaining me as a friend, I suddenly felt ashamed. Had I spent too long in the Forbidden Palace? Always calculated gains and losses in everything I did.

Glancing at Zhao Fugui, I saw he had shrunk back into a bundle on his horse, covering his mouth and nose with his sleeve against the cold wind, coughing.

I should find an opportunity to test whether he was sent by Xiao Huan or my father to rescue me.

But if he was here to rescue me, did I want to go back with him? Back to that suffocating Forbidden Palace?

The bitter cold wind from beyond the Great Wall stung my face, yet it was honest and fierce – the kind of feeling I liked.

Minjia’s horse had only suffered a minor wound that didn’t affect its ability to run, and we quickly returned to camp.

After this incident, Minjia’s attitude toward me changed dramatically. She even invited me to stay in her tent.

I politely declined. Though staying in Kumuor’s tent meant having to guard against him going mad and tearing off my clothes again, he often spent all night drinking and discussing matters with tribal leaders in another tent, so he rarely returned.

For my escape plans, this tent would be more convenient.

Two days later, in the afternoon, Kumuor once again entered the tent, somewhat drunk.

I hurried to greet him as usual: “Khan.”

But he was different from usual. He took my hand, pulled me to sit on the edge of the bed, and curved his lips slightly: “I heard from Minjia that you saved her at Shanhai Pass. It’s impressive how quickly you’ve become friends with her.”

I forced a laugh: “It’s all thanks to the Khan’s good fortune.”

Kumuor smiled: “Don’t give me such formal responses.” He suddenly leaned in and held my face, caressing my jaw. “I know you like to say pleasing things that sound good but aren’t real. Whenever you speak like this, I feel you’re like the wind, about to fly away in an instant, impossible to catch.”

Perhaps because he was drunk, his dove-grey eyes suddenly held something I couldn’t understand: “My father said I like to chase things I can’t catch – the more uncatchable, the more I want them. He understood me well. But now I wonder, when I said I wanted your heart, was I wrong? The heart of a woman like the wind must be very difficult to capture.”

His voice grew increasingly soft, and perhaps from exhaustion, he leaned against the bed while holding my hand, soon closing his eyes.

I helped him lie properly on the bed, brushing away the messy hair from his forehead. This young, imposing Khan looked as vulnerable as a child when sound asleep, his thick eyebrows tightly knitted.

Did he want to love me? To seriously love someone, to slowly draw close to them, to hold them tight and tell yourself that meeting them was the most beautiful thing in your life – to say it again and again until you believe it yourself.

I had done such things before, shamelessly, until I felt like a despicable fraud. Because I knew that true love arrives in the instant it arrives – true love never needs to be learned. When we learn to love, we’re usually creating a self-deceptive illusion.

I lay down beside Kumuor fully clothed. He was like a tired wild beast seeking a warm place to rest, but I couldn’t give him what he wanted.

When I woke in the gloomy twilight, Kumuor was gone. I lifted the blanket he had covered me with and sat up barefoot on the fur rug beside the bed.

The cold wind outside blew harder than before. Faintly, there came an intermittent sound of a flute – neither refined nor clear, playing what seemed to be a common countryside tune. Joy and sorrow were wrapped in the lively melody, yet listening to it in the cold wind beyond the Great Wall brought a sense of melancholy.

I found shoes to put on, wrapped myself in a fur coat, and followed the flute sound out of the tent. I traced it to a patch of grass outside the barracks, where Zhao Fugui sat among the wild grass, playing a short flute.

I walked over with a smile and sat beside him: “You know how to play tunes?”

Zhao Fugui put away his flute and pulled out a light blue handkerchief from his chest to wipe it: “My mother knew a bit about musical instruments. She used to sing this tune to me when I was little.”

“I heard this tune when I was little too. My grandmother sang it to me.” For some reason, I suddenly wanted to talk more with this mysterious, unkempt man.

“You grew up with your grandmother?” Zhao Fugui asked.

“Yes, my mother died giving birth to me. I grew up in the countryside with my grandmother. Catching loaches, catching scorpions, climbing walls and trees – I was good at everything. Everyone in the village got a headache when they saw me.” Recalling my childhood achievements, I couldn’t help feeling proud.

“Is that so? My wife was like that when she was little too,” Zhao Fugui remarked casually.

“You’re married? How many children do you have?” I immediately asked.

“I’m married, but no children yet,” Zhao Fugui replied.

“That’s not good. You should have a child. Think about it – you’re always traveling around, and your wife must be anxiously waiting for you at home. Having a child would help.”

“She probably won’t be anxious about me.” Zhao Fugui said, then changed the subject, “My lady lives in great wealth and status. My lady and the Khan will surely grow old together.”

“What are you talking about,” I smiled slightly, “I’m not the Khan’s wife.”

“Not the Khan’s wife?” Zhao Fugui seemed confused.

I smiled: “I have a husband, but it’s not the Khan.”

“My lady has a kind heart. Your husband must have accumulated good karma in his previous life,” Zhao Fugui immediately flattered.

“He wouldn’t think so.” As I spoke, thinking of Xiao Huan, the smile disappeared from my face. “He probably hopes I’ll never return.”

Zhao Fugui was silent for a moment, coughing once before responding: “My lady’s husband is too heartless.”

I smiled indifferently: “It doesn’t matter. If he were the one who disappeared, I’d probably hope he never came back too.”

This time Zhao Fugui didn’t respond, only coughing softly twice.

A thought struck me – perhaps he was an imperial guard sent by Xiao Huan. I smiled, “Old Zhao, I want to escape from here. Will you help me?”

Zhao Fugui seemed startled, immediately standing up: “That’s punishable by beheading.”

I stared at his still-bewildered, indifferent face, unable to discern any clues. I could only brush off the grass and stand up: “If you’re unwilling, forget it.”

Seeing it was getting late and sparse snowflakes had begun to fall, I said, “Old Zhao, let’s chat another day.”

After I had walked several steps away, Zhao Fugui suddenly called out hesitantly from behind: “My lady… if you want to leave, I’ll help you.”

I turned back with a smile: “But isn’t that punishable by death? You wouldn’t dare.”

“If not for my lady’s mercy that day, I would already be dead. I want to repay my lady’s kindness,” Zhao Fugui said, head lowered.

“Forget it, I wouldn’t want to get you into trouble.” I had only been testing him and turned to leave.

“My lady!” Zhao Fugui called out again, his tone firm. “Don’t think I’m useless. I practiced martial arts for two years – I should be able to escort you out.”

“Are you serious?” I smiled, watching the increasingly heavy snowfall, and winked at him half-jokingly, “The snow’s getting heavy, the guards will be less vigilant. Why don’t we leave now?”

“Alright.” Zhao Fugui agreed immediately, telling me, “My lady, wait here. I’ll go get two horses.” Without another word, he put away his flute and walked toward the stables.

I found it somewhat amusing – after planning my escape for so many days, could it be happening because of this simple-minded man?

But Zhao Fugui was true to his word. Soon he returned leading two chestnut horses.

He handed me the reins: “My lady, let’s go now.” Running back and forth had left a fine sheen of sweat on his forehead, which he wiped with that light blue handkerchief from his chest.

I took the reins with a smile, about to praise him when a cold laugh came from nearby: “Little girl, trying to run away?”

Gui Wuchang – this plague had been invisible for days. I thought he’d disappeared long ago. Why show up now of all times?

I inwardly cursed my luck. Being caught by Gui Wuchang meant I definitely couldn’t leave. I could only think of some excuse to fool him and prevent him from alerting Kumuor.

I had already given up on escaping, but Zhao Fugui suddenly pushed me onto a horse and mounted the other one himself.

This fool! Not knowing Gui Wuchang’s prowess, he was simply seeking death!

Gui Wuchang laughed coldly, striking Zhao Fugui with his palm: “Trying to escape?”

Even using just ten percent of his power, he could probably kill Zhao Fugui instantly.

I hurriedly tried to intervene: “Master Gui, let’s talk about this…”

Gui Wuchang ignored me completely, his lightning-fast palm strike already reaching Zhao Fugui’s chest. At the critical moment, Zhao Fugui met Gui Wuchang’s swift palm with his right hand while pressing his left hand against the horse’s back, using the momentum to redirect the force entirely onto the chestnut horse.

The magnificent chestnut horse let out a cry of agony, its massive body falling sideways, its internal organs shattered by the impact.

Having deflected Gui Wuchang’s strike, Zhao Fugui wasted no time. He leaped onto my horse, spurred it with his legs, and we shot forward like an arrow.

Snowflakes struck my face as sparse lights appeared in the camp, accompanied by shouts and rushing footsteps as they mobilized horses and soldiers to pursue us.

Sitting in front of Zhao Fugui, I was surprised to find that he didn’t have the sharp body odor typical of men like him. Instead, his scent was fresh, with a strange familiarity.

I slowly turned my head and saw a corner of the light blue handkerchief peeking out from his dirty collar. I was such a fool – how could someone like Zhao Fugui possess such a clean and elegant handkerchief?

After a moment’s hesitation, I reached up to touch his face. The disguising paste fell away at my touch. A snowflake landed on his elegant brow, instantly melting into a water droplet.

Under the heavily falling snow, Xiao Huan smiled at me.

The pursuers’ shouts came from behind as my mind grew hazy. I clutched Xiao Huan’s clothes and blurted out: “Why did you come?”

Now that his identity was revealed, Xiao Huan simply smiled without speaking.

I never imagined meeting him again under such circumstances. My mind was still in a fog, unsure of where I was.

In the snowy twilight, his face had an unreal pallor. I shook my head to try to see him more clearly and suddenly remembered something. Despite still being on horseback, I asked: “What did you do with Jiaoyan after I left?”

This time he smiled: “She’s still in the palace, doing well.”

After a pause, I continued: “What about Ying?”

He smiled: “Still in Yinghua Hall.”

I thought for a moment: “What about Xing Yiying?”

He hesitated slightly: “Dead.”

Already dead? After thinking about it, there wasn’t much to ask about that. “Um, what about Xiaoshan?”

“Naturally still living well in the palace.” He smiled and sighed, “Anyone else you want to ask about? Want to ask about everyone at once?”

His smile and tone were somehow familiar. I hesitated, releasing my grip on his collar, glancing at his dirty Jurchen uniform, and complained casually: “If you were going to come, did you have to make yourself look so disheveled? It’s awful.”

He smiled in acknowledgment, coughed once, but said nothing more.

I could only glance at him again before turning back to face forward. After the initial shock and confusion passed, I finally regained some composure: “Your Majesty risks too much by coming here. If anything were to go wrong, I couldn’t bear such guilt.”

He coughed softly and gave another mild acknowledgment.

Just then, several warhorses emerged from the valley ahead. The soldiers, seeing our situation, immediately moved to intercept.

Terrible! We’d run right into patrolling guards.

While I was still cursing our luck, Xiao Huan behind me pushed the reins into my hands and calmly said: “You return to the pass first.”

The five or six warhorses had already been close, and now they were right upon us. With no time to think, I quickly gripped the reins and lowered my body to avoid their sabers.

The horses crossed paths in an instant. After a very brief scream, Xiao Huan had already leaped away.

From the corner of my eye, I saw a flash of bright blade light, followed by two almost simultaneous screams.

I had no doubt Xiao Huan could handle these few riders, so I only pulled back on the reins after galloping about twenty paces, turning to observe the fight.

Two horses were already empty. Xiao Huan’s figure turned, his bright saber drawing a cold arc through the air. Blood sprayed as the third rider was swept from his horse.

The remaining two riders who had turned to pursue me hadn’t expected such a formidable opponent. In their panic, they couldn’t turn in time to defend, desperately slapping their horses with their scabbards.

Xiao Huan leaped onto a horse, his right hand wielding the saber while his left threw a scabbard. Before they could draw their weapons, the two men fell into the snow one after another.

At that moment, one of the fallen riders, unwilling to accept defeat, used his momentum to jump up and kick at Xiao Huan on horseback.

Though this kick had neither technique nor power, it unexpectedly caught Xiao Huan in the chest, causing him to fall somewhat ungracefully into the snow along with the rider.

I hadn’t expected him to be kicked off his horse by a mere rider and hurriedly stopped my horse.

Through the heavy snow, Shanhai Pass’s walls were faintly visible, but a large group of pursuers had also caught up.

I shouted anxiously: “Quick, get on the horse!”

Now several zhang away, I couldn’t see his figure clearly through the snow, only that he seemed to be trying to stand up using his hands for support, but swayed and fell back down.

The hoofbeats grew more urgent as the Jurchen pursuers drew near. The situation was desperate.

Should I abandon him and go back first? Hadn’t he told me to go ahead?

After weighing it briefly, I decided that since he had helped me escape from the Jurchen camp, abandoning him now would be too heartless.

“Wait there!” I shouted, turning the horse around to try to pull him up.

He finally managed to stand, but seeing me return, a flash of anger crossed his eyes and he spoke severely: “Why did you come back!”

I was stunned, my outstretched hand freezing in mid-air. Anger welled up: “I came back to save you! You think I wanted to…”

Before I could finish, an arrow grazed my arm, and fell. It was Minjia’s voice: “Stand still! Don’t move!”

I had to freeze in place, watching as Xiao Huan gave me another angry look while clutching his chest and coughing incessantly.

Had I done wrong by coming back to save him? His look made me even angrier, and disregarding whether it was disrespectful, I glared back fiercely.

“Cangcang? How could you be so careless, letting this minor villain kidnap you?” Minjia approached with a squad of guards. She must have thought I had been taken hostage. She continued speaking while riding over to pat my shoulder, “Lucky I came quickly, or you would have been in danger.”

Seeing me frozen in place, she laughed heartily and waved her hand: “I wasn’t telling you not to move, I meant him.” She then casually struck Xiao Huan with her whip, “Quite skilled, weren’t you? Six men couldn’t stop you!” Then she ordered the guards standing nearby, “Execute him right here.”

I inwardly cursed while hurriedly saying: “No, actually he’s not…” desperately searching my mind for an excuse.

“Hmm? Wait.” Before I could think of a suitable lie, Minjia suddenly waved for her guards to stop, rode forward a few steps, and used her whip to lift Xiao Huan’s chin, examining his face carefully. “So there are men more beautiful than women, though his complexion is a bit poor. Don’t kill him – tie him up and bring him to my tent.”

Wasn’t this scene supposed to happen when some mountain bandit chief came down to steal a wife?

“You, what’s your name?” Minjia lifted Xiao Huan’s chin with her whip, staring intently at his face, continuing to play her role as the female bandit chief.

Xiao Huan was coughing too hard to speak, so I quickly jumped in, making up a name: “He’s called… Bai Chifan.”

“Bai Chifan?” Minjia seemed puzzled.

“Yes, Bai Chifan – the ‘chi’ from ‘worry about returning late,’ and the ‘fan’ from ‘passing a thousand sails but none is the right one.'” I hurriedly explained, secretly amused.

“Bai Chifan – it fits, a good name.” Minjia nodded approvingly. “You Han people have such pleasant-sounding names.”

Pleasant-sounding? Well, it did suit him. I cleared my throat and chuckled.

“By the way, Cangcang, what were you trying to say earlier?” Having attended to Xiao Huan, Minjia looked up at me with a smile.

“Nothing.” What else did you expect me to say? I smiled, glancing at Xiao Huan in the firelight. He was still coughing with his head down, his chest heaving violently, his face frighteningly pale.

It seemed that Gui Wuchang’s palm strike must have injured his internal energy, otherwise he wouldn’t have been kicked off his horse.

Minjia tapped her whip with interest, looking Xiao Huan up and down with the gaze of a man appraising a courtesan.

This was just perfect – not only was the Empress captured, but now the Emperor was also trapped in the enemy camp.

I was “rescued” back to camp by Minjia. Kumuor didn’t say anything, but from then on, a guard with a face like a coffin lid – the one called Chiku – was posted outside my tent.

Meanwhile, Minjia took Xiao Huan back to her tent as a war trophy. Not only did she have the army doctor treat him, but hearing he was sensitive to cold, she also provided him with numerous fur coats and ordered the tent’s brazier to keep blazing day and night, caring for him in every way.

With this new favorite, Minjia completely forgot about the mysteriously vanished Zhao Fugui – truly a forgetful princess.

The heavy snow fell continuously for several days. Forget about fighting – even the sentries huddled in their tents to escape the wind and snow.

Early one morning, Minjia came to find me, beaming: “Cangcang, let’s go to my tent. Little Bai is afraid of the cold, so I won’t let him come out. The three of us can talk in my tent.”

Little Bai… they were already on nickname terms. Little Bai… I felt my facial muscles twitch slightly as I forced a smile and nodded: “Sure, let’s go to your tent.”

Minjia’s tent wasn’t far from Kumuor’s main tent. Seeing I was with Minjia, Chiku said nothing.

Braving the wind and snow, we soon reached Minjia’s tent. Lifting the leather flap to enter, I saw Xiao Huan lounging comfortably on a tiger-skin chaise, reading by the firelight.

After not seeing him for several days, his health seemed much improved, his complexion no longer so pale. He wore a pure white fox fur robe, his black hair loose and unbound over his shoulders. In the firelight, there was almost a seductive quality flowing from his eyes and brows.

He was becoming more and more like a male consort. The august Emperor of Great Wu, Supreme Ruler of All Under Heaven, now serving as an enemy princess’s plaything – and seemingly quite happy about it. He had completely disgraced his imperial ancestors. If I were him, I would have rushed outside and fallen on my sword.

I followed Minjia inside, removing my outer fur coat and tossing it aside.

Minjia hadn’t noticed my anger and exclaimed excitedly: “Isn’t he beautiful in white? I had him try on furs of every color, but white suits him best.”

As she spoke, she jumped over to grasp Xiao Huan’s shoulders: “He may look thin, but he’s not weak at all. His chest is quite broad here.”

She’d even felt his chest – they must have done everything by now. Xiao Huan must be secretly delighted to have taken advantage of such a beauty as Minjia.

Interrupted in his reading, Xiao Huan put down his book and looked up at me with an ambiguous smile: “Has my lady arrived?”

Now that he’s become a male consort, he’s no longer glaring with that sour face?

“Mm.” I couldn’t be bothered with him, responding casually as I sat down on a fur stool by the brazier.

“Cangcang, are you unhappy?” Minjia finally noticed my poor mood and asked with concern.

“Oh right, I’ll go get some venison and bring a jar of good wine. We can talk while we eat and drink.” Minjia suddenly clapped her hands and smiled at me. “Little Bai told me it was all a misunderstanding that day. He’s from your hometown, so you were just talking. Then the guards saw you together and thought you were trying to escape, so they gave chase. You both ran out of camp because you were scared – it was all a misunderstanding.” With a charming smile, she left the tent.

This simple-minded princess had been so easily fooled by that old fox Xiao Huan’s casual excuse.

Taking advantage of Minjia’s absence, I shot Xiao Huan a fierce glare: “Enjoying your stay?”

He casually turned pages in his book, a smile playing at his lips, not looking up: “Is this how the Empress should address me? Isn’t it rather lacking in propriety?”

“You dare speak of propriety? When you’re dawdling here, waiting for Kumuor to discover your identity and have your head mounted on display? You should be thinking of ways to escape!” I was getting angry – how could he still be concerned about propriety at a time like this? The brazier must have added his brain.

“Escape how? Gui Wuchang comes every twelve hours to seal my vital points. Besides, in this heavy snow, sending me outside – are you trying to kill me? You’ll be a widow before Kumuor can behead me.” Whether from his role as a male consort or not, his speech had grown increasingly frivolous. He looked up from his book with a smile. “Now you want me to think of solutions? Back then, with Shanhai Pass’s gates in sight, why didn’t you leave when I told you to?”

I thought he’d forgotten about that incident, but he was still dwelling on it!

I was truly exasperated with him and could only explain weakly: “Your Majesty, how could I approach Shanhai Pass’s gates without you? I didn’t want to be shot full of arrows as a Jurchen spy.”

“When I came, I ordered Shi Yan to watch the walls day and night. He would have recognized you and opened the gates immediately.” He finished speaking and then smiled quite infuriatingly. “What? Couldn’t figure that out without being told?”

I hadn’t expected him had make such arrangements. At a loss for words, I could only say fiercely: “Fine then, our wise and mighty, brilliantly calculating Emperor, can you lead another escape attempt? This time if you fall off your horse again and lie there helplessly, I’d be a fool to go back for you!”

“No,” he said, his smile unchanged, refusing absolutely. “The snow is too heavy. I can’t go outside.”

I could only give him a withering look: “Are you that afraid of the cold?” Looking at the thick fox fur wrapped around him, “Dressed so thickly, are you still cold? Don’t you have any ways to ward off the cold?”

He smiled and answered: “Drinking some wine might help.”

“So that’s why you always had a cup in hand – it was because of this.” As I spoke, I reached inside his fox fur to feel his hand. Even sitting next to such a blazing brazier, his hand was still cool.

“Cangcang, Little Bai, the wine and meat are here!” Minjia’s excited voice came from the entrance. I quickly withdrew my hand and cleared my throat.

Minjia had found a plate of still-steaming cooked venison and a large jar of wine somewhere, placing them on the small wooden table in the tent.

Seeing the wine was cold, I said to Minjia: “Do you have a pot for heating wine? Let’s warm it up.”

Minjia suddenly remembered, slapping her forehead: “Right! Doctor He said Little Bai can’t have cold drinks. I completely forgot.” She got up to find something to heat the wine.

Xiao Huan smiled at me: “Thank you for your concern, my lady.”

I glared at him and snorted.

Minjia found an iron pot, added water, and placed it over the fire to heat the wine. We ate the tender, fragrant roasted venison while drinking the steaming millet wine, and making casual conversation. It was quite pleasant.

As the wine warmed us, Kumuor lifted the tent flap and entered, speaking before he even arrived: “Minmin, is Cangcang here?”

I quickly stood up: “Khan, I’m here.”

“Why are you running about in such cold weather? Don’t catch a chill.” Kumuor came in hurriedly, his clothes carrying the wind, and reached out to embrace my shoulders.

I hadn’t expected such an intimate gesture from him. Smiling, I noticed from the corner of my eye that Xiao Huan hadn’t stood up, remaining seated on his chaise and swirling the millet wine in his cup.

Kumuor seemed to notice my glance and gave Xiao Huan a cursory look before returning his gaze to my face: “You’ve never experienced such a cold winter in the Han palace, have you? Don’t worry, I’ll soon take you to Shanhai Pass to shelter from the wind.”

“Brother, have you thought of a way to breach the city?” Minjia asked excitedly upon hearing this.

“Taking advantage of tonight’s heavy snow and wind, I’ll send a thousand-man unit to quietly scale the ice-covered walls and surprise attack the beacon towers on the Great Wall. Once successful, we’ll throw open the city gates. With such heavy snow and wind, the Han forces will be careless in their defense. The ice on the walls will aid our climb – we’ll catch them completely off guard.” Kumuor explained.

“Wonderful, brother! I want to lead the vanguard tonight!” Minjia grew excited.

“You won’t breach the city.” Xiao Huan, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke softly, raising his unfathomable eyes to look directly at Kumuor. “Shanhai Pass isn’t cold enough – even with days of heavy snow, the ice on the walls won’t be thick enough for climbing. This strategy relies entirely on surprise. If there’s someone with keen eyesight on Shanhai Pass’s walls, they’ll spot the thousand-man unit before they reach the base of the wall, rendering the plan useless.”

He spoke the truth. With him not having returned for a day, Shi Yan would be watching the walls. Renowned as the Imperial Palace’s greatest martial artist, Shi Yan’s internal and external cultivation were both astounding. Someone with refined internal energy could notice movement several li away even on a snowy night.

Kumuor finally took notice of Xiao Huan, furrowing his brow.

Minjia hurried to explain: “This is Little Bai, whom I told you about.”

“That man?” Kumuor’s tone held no dismissiveness; rather, he asked quite seriously, “In your view, there is someone with such keen eyesight on Shanhai Pass’s walls?”

“I’m just speaking casually. The Khan may believe it or not as he wishes.” Xiao Huan continued to look directly into Kumuor’s eyes while lightly swirling his wine cup.

“I’ll send a unit to scout first.” Kumuor’s lips curved in a smile, and he suddenly added, “You don’t seem like a male consort.”

Xiao Huan gave a slight bow: “The Khan flatters me.”

Kumuor turned to Minjia: “Minmin, come with me. I’ll tell you tonight’s deployment.”

Minjia happily agreed, smiling at me and Xiao Huan: “Cangcang, stay and talk with Little Bai. I’ll be right back.”

I smiled as I watched the siblings leave. After they dropped the tent flap, I sat in my chair, wiping sweat as I scolded Xiao Huan: “What are you doing? Afraid Kumuor won’t recognize you?”

“If he recognizes me, so be it,” he said, swirling his wine cup, speaking with surprising casualness. “If he doesn’t, that’s fine too…”

I was too angry for words. Giving up on that topic, I asked: “How can you fight this war while hiding in the Jurchen camp? When will Great Wu defeat the enemy?”

I paused, startled at myself. I didn’t doubt the outcome of the war at all, only asked when Great Wu would win. Even in such dire circumstances, did I still believe that with Xiao Huan present, Great Wu couldn’t lose?

Xiao Huan seemed to notice this, raising his head to look at me with a curved smile: “I’m not commanding the army. The commander is Qi Chengliang – how would I know when we’ll achieve victory?”

I pursed my lips: “True enough. Our fine Emperor who personally leads the campaign is busy serving as a princess’s plaything in the enemy camp.”

He smiled again, seeming about to say something, but suddenly put down his wine cup and clutched his chest, coughing lightly, his face instantly turning pale.

I hurried over to pat his back and help him breathe easier. As my hand touched his somewhat thin shoulders, I remembered how he had been kicked off his horse that day when his strength failed him, and couldn’t help scolding: “How could you come to the Jurchen camp to show off when you’re so weak?”

He lowered his head, coughing lightly, not answering my question. After quite a while, when his breathing had steadied somewhat, he smiled: “This snow came at a rather inconvenient time.” He seemed to zone out for a moment, then paused. “Just now, he called you Cangcang, didn’t he?”

I didn’t understand his point: “What about him calling me Cangcang?” I hesitated as the young man’s face suddenly appeared in my mind – him smiling as he called me “Cangcang,” pressing his somewhat cool fingers against my cheek.

I let out a cold laugh and removed my hand from his back: “What? Is Your Majesty displeased? Think we’re ignorant of proper etiquette?”

He seemed to hesitate for a moment, raising his head slightly to explain: “I didn’t mean…”

“What?” I cut him off before he could finish. “Is there something wrong with calling my name? I only know it’s my name, and anyone in the world who likes can call me that.”

He paused, coughed lightly several times, then smiled again without speaking.

I steadied my breathing and turned away: “You don’t look well. We’re the only ones here – you should rest for a while.”

He nodded, raising his head to smile at me, his face pale in the firelight: “My previous words were presumptuous. Please don’t take them to heart.”

True to his reputation as Great Wu’s model of propriety and grace, the Deyou Emperor could always speak with impeccable politeness. I curved my lips in a smile: “Don’t worry. How dare I take issue with Your Majesty?”

Though my words dripped with sarcasm, he still smiled and nodded, leaning back in his chaise. After what seemed like careful consideration, he looked at me and asked: “Your shoulder – was it injured?”

“My shoulder?” I was puzzled why he would ask, then smiled. “I was injured when leaving the Forbidden City. It’s nothing serious – just a scar now.” I smiled again. “Being Your Majesty’s woman isn’t easy. I understand.”

He smiled and coughed several times, saying nothing more.

Seeing him rest, I returned to the brazier, sat down, and took up the fire tongs to stoke the fire higher. The bright red glow reflected in my eyes as the tent grew warmer.

The inexplicable anger in my heart diminished somewhat. I wrapped my clothes tighter and sat by the fire, deliberately ignoring Xiao Huan beside me.

Without realizing it, my eyelids grew heavy. By the time Minjia returned, I had dozed off several times. A bright laugh suddenly rang out beside my ear, startling me awake.

Rubbing my eyes and looking up, I saw Minjia laughing as she pulled off the fur blanket covering me, reaching out with hands still cold from outside to playfully press against my forehead.

This woke me completely, and I sat up with a smile.

Before I could speak to Minjia, I turned to see Xiao Huan reclining on his chaise, reading. He had awakened at some point, his eyes lowered, holding a wine cup. Noticing my gaze, he raised his head slightly and smiled.

Thinking of the fur blanket that had covered me, probably placed there by him at some point, I wanted to tell him that drinking too much wine was also bad for his health. But realizing he must already know this, I simply nodded without speaking.